what is the best Boat for a 4'8" , 100# beginner ?

[gigglescboat]

I have been kayaking for past 10 years, but want to begin canoeing.
I have already converted my EVO to a C1 and like it, but want a canoe.

What is the best choice for my height and weight?

I am looking at the L edge.

Are there any " kids canoes" out there?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sejal

[Mike W.]

You may want to try a Splash. It's a composite canoe for kids.

http://cboats.net/c_db/list.php?alpha=S ... ame=Splash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.compositecreations.ca/Splash.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sir Adam is the only one I know of who has one of these boats. He's up in New York, but comes down to the Armada every year.

[Paddle Power]

The L edge is a great boat, but it is heavy and relative to your weight, a lot boat to move.
I'd look for a lighter option. Look for non plastic.

[KNeal]

Hey, Giggles! Welcome to a better step toward "seeing the light". Are you looking at open boats, decked boats, or just trying whatever you can get your hands on? For open boats, see who has access to a Stinkeye or Option. Prelude would be an outside choice as it is more for advanced canoeists. L'edges are good boats but they definitely weigh a lot (50+ lb.). You are welcome to try my Atom though the outfitting will be too loose for you. I hope to see you on the river soon, at least by New Year's for the chilly chili paddle.

[canotrouge]

Composite Creation Splash might be ok, But I think that a BullDog would be better! An Esquif Zephyr is light, and a lot of women like it! An other boat to consider, would be the Shacho from Kaz(Millbrook boat), can't be a bad choice!! I think that anything light, in the 40lbs would be great. Maybe even an Esquif Spark would work, I know that Paul Mason's daughter started to paddle one this year, and before that she was paddling a Zephyr.

Good luck

[Paddle Power]

I don't know where you are but Clipper/Western Canoeing in BC makes glass (Kevlar/Duraflex) canoes. Their canoes are popular in western Canada.

I have one of their Vipers. It is light and ease to move around compared to heavier ABS/royalex and plastic canoes.

They make the probe and vipers.

http://www.clippercanoes.com/category.php?cat_id=7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[canotrouge]

Hellman Canoe makes the Otter, it is super light, really tough... Not the fastest boat out there, but not a pig. If you get it with wood gunnels, it is quite a good boat!
http://www.hellmancanoes.com/hellman-canoes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dave.E]

The L'edge will probably be a lot of boat for you. Depending what kind of paddling you want to get into, I have heard of smaller people having some luck with the Taureau. Other than that, all the other suggestions are good!

[Riverken]

Take a look at the Millbrook Boats web site. His boats are light and some are fairly narrow. And they are great boats, too.

[carter1]

I'll have a nice Prodigy with me at ALF. It may be for sale if I can work something out on a boat I'm interested in.
c

[gigglescboat]

Thank you all for you suggestions.
I now have 2 canoes.
a Taureau and a Blue hole Sequel.
I have been paddling the Taureau but find that I needed more speed
so I am going to give the Sequel a try.

On a side does anyone have a good idea on how to build a deck plate?

[KNeal]

On which boat and how rigid do you want the deckplate to be? Typical examples are: fiberglass (lightest construction); plastic sheet (various thicknesses to choose from and pretty easy to mount); and wood (arguably the strongest and usually requires artisanship for a quality finish, but does look really good). Contact Greg Velzy--he has gunwaled and deck plated his Sequel.

[gigglescboat]

Thanks Neal I will ask Greg
it is for the sequel it is missing the stern deck plate

[Mike W.]

I like to hot-glue a section of ~1" diameter hose to the bottom edge of a plate of glass. Apply release agent. Brush on epoxy, then sprinkle glitter. Lay up Kevlar on the glass, wrapping it around the hose so that edge is like a cockpit rim. Once it cures, peel it off & cut to size so the curl is on top, open to the end of the boat. Cut to size & screw it to the gunnels. When the water washes over the deck it'll hit the curl & run off the sides. I've thought of doing a series of 3 so more water will get channeled off the sides.

I think ACA & USCA limit you to 36" long decks & attachments are limited to 1" high. Something to consider if you think you'll ever race. I'll try to find photos of mine.